Light-diffusing means for motion-picture studios.



R. P. MILLER.

LIGHT DIFFUSING MEANS FOR MOTION PICTURE STUDIOS. APPLICATION FILED uo'v. 2|. 1912.

1,271,056. Patented July 2,1918.

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R. P. MILLER. LIGHT DIFFUSING MEANS FOR MOTION PICTURE STUDIOS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 21 1917.

Patented July 2, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

ATTORN EY.

UNITE-l) STATES ROBERT P. MILLER, 0F LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO UNION IRON W'ORKS OF LOS ANGELES (INCORPORATED), OE LOS ANG-ELES, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA.

LIGHT-DIFFUSING MEANS FOR MOTION-PICTURE STUDIOS.

Application filed November 21, 1917.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, ROBERT P. MILLER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Light-Diifusing Means for Motion-Picture Studies, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in motion picture studio building construction, and more particularly to light difiusing means therefor.

It is usually necessary in indoor motion picture photography to prevent the direct rays of the sunlight from being cast upon or adjacent to the zone of the object or scene of photography, and this is also necessary when the sun is not shining so as to prevent bright rays of light from being cast upon or adjacent to the object or scene of photography. This exclusion of direct light rays is necessary to avoid the formation of shadows, high lights, etc., and is carried out by diffusing means such that will cause an even transmission of li ht, the diffusing means. generally consisting of white cloth which is stretched over the zone of the scene or object of photography. In the majority of studios the overhead or roof structures are utilized to support lights, parts of sets, etc., very frequently the lights or .objects suspended from the roofs or upper structures being mounted so as to be moved into various positions, and where sheets of diifusing cloth are stretched along the under sides of the roofs or upper structures the movement of objects suspended from said roofs or upper structures or the positioning or removal of such objects interferes with the light ditl'using cloths, pushes them aside and allows light rays to be cast upon the set. or zone adjacent to the set or scene of photography. In the modern motion picture studio the construction is of steel and the steel trusses constituting the upper structure or roof are well adapted for suspending or hanging lights, parts of sets, etc., thus it will be seen that where the ordinarily constructed and arranged diffusing cloths are employed it is not possible to hang or suspend objects from the trusses without interfering with said diffusing means.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 2, 1918.

Serial No. 203,188.

Another objection to the arrangement of the present diffusing means is that the cables or cords for supporting the cloths invariably are stretched entirely across the studio and therefore allow the cables or cords, together with the cloths, to sag, and in some instances this sagging results in the admission of direct light rays that will cause an objectionable light or shadow to appear upon the set or adjacent thereto.

I aim to overcome the above noted objec tions by the provision of diffusing means which is disposed above the lower extremities of the upper structures or roofs of motion picture studios, in order that such upper structures or roofs may be available for hanging or suspending lights, parts of sets or other articles without interfering with the diflusing means, and also in order that sagging of the diffusing means is avoided.

My invention further consists in the provision of means extending along opposite sides of each truss of a motion picture studio roof, which means will diffuse the light and prevent leakage of light rays past the trusses and between the sheets of the diffusing means, such sheets being of necessity spaced apart because of the interposition of the trusses.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide light diffusing means of the above notedcharacter which is of simple, ineXpen sive and reliable construction, such that is capable of being readily assembled or disassembled.

T he invention further consists in the particular combination, inter elation, association, and mode of operation of the various parts, elements and features of the diffusing means such as hereinafter described in the specification, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and finally as defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation broken away and partly in section of a motion picture studio constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the construction shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view showing the means for supporting the diffusing means; and

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective View partly in section, showing the difiusing means in operative position relative thereto.

Referring particularly to the drawings, A designates as an entirety a motion picture studio which comprises a floor construction B, side walls 0 and D, roof E, and trusses F, constituting the main elements of the roof E. The type of studio such as shown is for the most part constructed of structural steel and glass so as to obtain the maximum interior lighting combined with the desired strength and durability, the roof E being formed for the most part of the trusses F and conjunctive structures which support a series of glass panes G. The foregoing description is that of a studio of the modern type and such as found in general use throughout the country.

My improved diffusing means is generally designated by the reference character H, and comprises a series of cables or wires 1 which extend transversely of the structure in spaced parallel relation to one another from the side wall C to the side wall D at a point adjacent to the roof E, above the lower surfaces of and between the trusses F. An upper similar series of wires 2 is extended across the structure above and parallel to the wires 1. Along the upper sidesof the walls C and D above the lower surfaces of the trusses F are secured channel beams 3. These beams 3 are bolted as at l through their web portions to the flanges of channel beams 5 which are secured to the side walls C and D along the upper edges of said side walls. The lower cables 1 are each provided at one end with a hook 6 which is extended through an opening 7 formed in the lower flanges of the channel beams 3 that are mounted upon the wall D and each of the upper cables 2 is likewise provided with a hook 8 connected in the same manner with the upper flanges of the channel beams 3 on the wall D. The lower cables 1 are extended through eyes 9 formed on the lower end of hangers 10 which are secured to and depend from the ridge J of the roof E, whereas the upper cables 2 are extended through eyes 11 likewise secured to the ridge J. Each set of cables 1 and 2 is connected with the beams 3 upon the wall G preferably by turn buckles 12.

Slidably mounted upon the cables 1 and 2 respectively are sheets 13 and 14 of flexible translucent material. These sheets are preferably formed of some heavy cloth such as white canvas, cotton, or cheese-cloth and each sheet is equal in length to the distance between the side walls and center of the roof along the line parallel with the ridge J. Rings 15 are secured along the longitudinal edges of the sheets and slidably mounted upon the cables 1 and 2 so that the sheets are slidably supported by said cables and any suitable means, not shown, may be employed to move said sheets into and out of position. Preferably only three sheets are necessary to one panel, that is to say, between each truss on one-half of the roof only three sheets are necessary. The cables 1 and 2 are arranged so that the upper cables will support two sheets 1a in spaced parallel relation to one another, the space between said two sheets being less than the width of one of the sheets and the lower cables 1 are arranged so that a single sheet 13 is disposed beneath the upper sheets 1st overlapping relation thereto. Thus the space beneath each panel of the roof, that is to say, the space between the trusses on one side of the roof may be adequately covered by three diffusing sheets, two upper and one lower, the upper sheets being disposed in overlapping relation to the lower sheets. However, it is to be understood that any number of these difiusing sheets may be employed and their arrangement may be varied as desired, the only essential requirement being that these sheets shall lie with respect to one another and the roof that when moved into position the light rays which penetrate the roof will be prevented from being directly cast upon the floor of the studio or upon the object or adjacent to the Zone of the object of photography.

I provide additional difiusing means to prevent the leakage of light through the roof on either side of the trusses. This means isnecessary inasmuch as the trusses separate the sheets 13 and 1a and are usually of such construction that it is not possible to have the edges of the sheets on opposed sides of the trusses disposed in closed relation thereto and at the same time permit of a free sliding movement of the sheets. In carrying out this means I employ panes of translucent material such as ground glass and position these panes, which will be designated 16, upon each side of each one of the trusses along the roof E, said panes being secured in the same manner to the roof are the glass panes G. These panes are wide enough to extend outwardly sufiiciently to overlie the diffusion sheets 14- that are disposed on opposite sides of each truss, and since they are translucent, direct light rays will be prevented from passing downwardlv past the opposite sides of the trusses, between the sheets let and said truss and on to the floor of the studio. I may mount the ordinary glass panes upon opposite sides of the trusses and render the panes translucent by sgecking them with white paint or I may use ground glass as effectively to exclude direct light rays, or otherwise provide translucent or ray modifying means in such zones.

As hereinbefore stated any suitable means may be employed to move the diffusing sheets 13 and 14 into diffusing position, and it will be readily seen that with each sheet relatively adjustably slidably mounted upon the wires or cables 1 and 2, I may cause all or only a few of said sheets to be disposed into difiusing position. When all the sheets are drawn into diffusing position the entire area under the roof is covered with such sheets so that direct light rays will not be permitted to pass through the roof and onto the stage. The translucent panels or panes 16 cooperate with the sheets 13 and 14 so as to insure against leakage of light through the diffusing means. To further avoid light leakage I preferably connect the hook ends of the cables with the south side of the studio, inasmuch as the sheets are permitted to be drawn closer to the side walls at the hook ends than at the turn buckle ends, inasmuch said turn buckles do not permit of the passage of the rings to the extreme ends of the cables. The diffusing means is all disposed above the lower portions of the trusses, leaving available for hanging or suspending purposes such lower portions. By having the cables for supporting the diffusing sheets supported intermediate their ends by the eyes 9 and 11 sagging of the difiusing sheets is eliminated with the result that the operation to move the sheets into and out of position may be much more easily effected. A further advantage gained in disposing the difiusing means in close relation to the roof as opposed to disposing such means beneath the trusses, is that in the latter case when the diffusing means is in difiusing position a dead air space is usually provided between. the roof and such means. This dead air space retards circulation of air and in warm weather becomes readily heated and renders the interior of the studio uncomfortably warm, whereas with my diffusing means the location thereof relative to the roof is such that no dead air space is provided such as cause the disadvantages herein noted.

IVith reference to the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, it will be readily observed that I have provided a marked improvement in motion picture studio diffusing means to the ends that the diffusing of light may be had at less expense and with greater accuracy than with the hereinbefore used diffusing apparatus.

I Vhile the foregoing description and accompanying drawings embody the preferred form of my invention it is to be understood that I may make minor changes as to details of construction and as to size, and proportions of various parts and elements of the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope thereof as defined herein.

Having thus disclosed my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In improvements of the character disclosed, a building structure including side walls and trusses extending from wall to wall; of light diffusing means for preventing direct. rays of light from being cast upon the surface of the structure beneath the trusses and being disposed above the lower portion of said trusses for rendering such lower portions available for hanging or supporting purposes.

2. In improvements of the character disclosed, the combination with a building structure having upright walls and members secured to and connecting said upright walls; of light diffusing means disposed above the lower portions of said members so as to prevent direct light rays from being cast beneath said members and to permit of the use of said members beneath said means for article supporting or hanging purposes.

3. In improvements of the character disclosed, the combination with a building construction including upright walls, members secured to and extending between said walls and constituting the roof of said building structure; of light diffusing means disposed above the lower portions of said members which may be used to suspend or hang articles therefrom, said light diffusing means preventing direct light rays from being cast upon the acne beneath said members.

4. In improvements of the character disclosed, the combination with upright opposed walls and roof members of a building construction; of sheets of light diffusing material being extended over the space inclosed by said construction to prevent direct light rays from being cast upon said space, said sheets being positioned above the lower portions of the roof members whereby said lower portions are available from beneath for article hanging or supporting purposes without interference with said diffusing sheets.

5. In improvements of the character disclosed, the combination with the opposed side walls, trusses connected with said side walls, and a transparent roof on said trusses of a motion picture studio; of light diffusing means mounted between the trusses above the lower sides thereof, and so as to prevent direct light rays from being cast upon the zone underlying said means.

6. In improvements of the character disclosed, the combination with the opposed side walls, trusses connected with said side walls, and a transparent roof on said trusses of a motion picture studio; of light dilfusiug means mounted between the trusses above the lower sides thereof, and so as to prevent direct light rays from being cast upon the zone underlying said means, and further light difiusing means disposed along "each side of said trusses and incorporated with the roof of said studio.

7 In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio, including trusses for supporting a roof, and a transparent roof supported by said trusses; of translucent light difiusing means adapted to prevent direct light rays from being cast upon the zone beneath said means and being disposed between and above the lower sides of the trusses to render the lower sides of said trusses available from the zone below the trusses without interfering with said light difiusing means.

8. In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio, including trusses for supporting a roof, and a translucent roof supported by said trusses; of translucent light diffusing means adapted to prevent direct light rays from being cast upon the zone beneath said means and being disposed between and above the lower sides of the trusses to renderthe lower sides of said trusses available from the zone below the trusses without interfering with said light difiiusing means; and translucent light difiusing means incorporated in the roof and disposed in engagement with and along each side of the trusses.

9. In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio building, including roof trusses; of translucent means adapted to prevent direct light rays from being cast from above the trusses to the zone below the trusses and being disposed above thelower portions of said trusses to make said lower portions of the trusses available for article supporting or hanging purposes without interfering with said light difi'using means. I

10. In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio including roof trusses of cables extending between and above the lower portions of said'trusses and sheets or trans lucent light difiusing material slidably mounted upon said cables.

11. In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio including roof trusses; of cables eX- tending between and above the lower portions of said trusses and sheets of translucent light diffusing mate -ial slidably mounted upon said cables; said sheets being mounted in planes one above the other and in overlying relation to one another.

12. In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio including upright side walls, roof trusses supported by the side walls, and a transparent roof supported by said trusses;

of cables disposed between and above the lower sides of the trusses, and sheets of translucent light diffusing material mounted upon the cables.

13. In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio including upright sidewalls, roof trusses supported by the sidewalls, and a transparent roof supported by said trusses;

of cables disposed between and above thelower sides of the trusses, and sheets or translucent light diffusing material mounted upon the cables, and translucent light difi'using panels incorporated with the roof and disposed upon and in engagement with opposite sides of the trusses.

14. In improvements oi the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio including upright side walls, roof trusses supported by the side walls, and a transparent roof supported by said trusses; of cables disposed between and above the lower sides of the trusses, and sheets of translucent light diffusing material mounted upon the cables, and translucent light diffusing panels incorporated with the roof and disposed upon and in engagement with opposite sides of the trusses, said cables and said sheets being disposed in setslocated one above the other with the sheets in overlying relation to one another. a

15. In improvements of the character disclosed, in combination with a motion picture studio including upright side walls, roof trusses supported by the side walls, and a transparent roof supported by said trusses;

of cables disposed between and above the 7 lower sides of the trusses, and sheets of translucent light diffusing material mounted upon the cables, translucent light difiusing panels incorporated with the roof and disposed upon and in engagement with opposite sides of the trusses, and means intermediate of the ends of said cables for supporting them from the roof.

16. In improvements of the character disclosed, the combination with opposed side walls, trusses connected with said side walls, and a transparent roof on said trusses of a motion picture studio; of light diffusing means mounted between the trusses above thelower sides thereof, and so as to prevent direct light rays from being cast upon the zone underlying said means, and further light diii'using means disposed along each side of said trusses. r V

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

I ROBERT P. MILLER.

V Witnesses I RAYMOND Ivns Braumsmm,

CHAS. J. CHANCE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Gommissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0.. 

